Registering apparatus



Sept' 1936" R E. PRUSSO ET AL 2,052,844

REGISTERING APPARATUS Filed March 2, 1934 9 SheetsSheet l Erma w; 6%

Sept. 1, 1936. R. E; PRUSSO ET AL REGISTERING APPARATUS Filed March 2,1934 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 p 1 R. E. PRUSSO ET AL 2,052,344

REGISTERING APPARATUS Filed March 2, 1934 9 sheeis-sheet 3 Sept. 1,1936. R. E. PRUSSO ET AL REGISTERING APPARATUS Filed March 2, 1934 9Sheets-Sheet 4 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Sept. 1,1936. R E P U ET AL 2,052,844

REGISTERING APPARATUS Filed March 2, 1934 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Qvwcm cow190.732/5 /zws0 1 5mm [a aha cg S p 1, 1936- v R. E. PRUSSO ET. AL2,052,344

REGISTERING APPARATUS Filed March 2, 1954 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 p 1, 1936. R.E. P USSO ET AL 2 052,844

REGISTERING APPARATUS Filed March 2, 1934 9 Sheets-Shegat- 7 Sept. 1,1936. R. E. PRUSSO ET AL 12,052,844 REGISTERING APPARATUS Filed March 2,1934 9 Shee'ts-Sheet 8 mmwam w p 1936- R. E. PRUSSO ET AL 2,052,844

REGI STERI NG APPARATUS Filed March 2, 1934 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 PatentedSept. 1, 1936 PATENT oFncE 2,052,844 REGISTERING APPARATUS Robert EdwardPrusso,

William Gaddy, Turlock, CaliL,

vingston, and Ermal assignors of one-fifth to William Edward Mitchell,one-fifth to Everett Wesley Gaddy, both Calif., and one-fifth to W.Cobum kleeville, Calif.

of Turl'ock, Cook, Mar- Application March 2, 1934, Serial No. 713,736

' 40 Claims. (01.177-311) 'I'he present invention relates primarily to amachine adapted, when certain indicia such as numbers are registeredtherein, to give a signal when any one of the numbers is again enteredin the machine. The machine is adapted for the reception therein ofvarious indlcia, but ordinariy each machine is designed with referenceto some particular indicia which it is to receive.

As illustrative of the invention and in order to make clear the generalprinciples involved, we shall describe hereinafter and ,with referenceto the accompanying drawings, a machine particularly designed to beloaded with the'license tag numbers of automotive vehicles, it beingassumed that notice of such numbers is desired for some reason, as inthe case of stolen cars. In the use of such a machine, the machine hasinitially registered therein the tag numbers in question. Thereupon, anoperator stationed so as to be able to view the tag numbers of vehiclestraveling a preferably arterial highway or street enters in the machinethe number of each passing vehicle. Should a number be set upcorresponding with one of the registered numbers, a signal is given,immediately advising the operator that the number just entered is thatof a. sought car so that, as in the case of a stolen car, apprehensionmay follow.

As another example, when. it is desired to identify certain bank notes,their numbers may be loaded in the machine, the operator, as in a bank,then entering in the machine the numbers of the notes'passing throughhis hands. .For

this latter use, however, a machine of relatively large range isrequired in view of the larger numbers to be handled as compared tolicense tag numbers, As a matter of convenience, therefore, we havechosen to describe a machine only of-sumcient sizeto handle the ordinarylicense a numbers.

In the State of California at the present time, license tag numbers runto no more than six spaces of which five may be numerals and one aletter. By way of example, .we have chosen to describe a, machine of acapacity designated forsuch typical indicia, that is, made. up of nomore than five numerals and a letter. A machine of this capacity must beable to register distinctively a number of less than the maximum numberof places as well as full numbers and numbers wherein the same numeralmay be repeated any number of times up to five. For this purpose,

five separate banks of numeral keys may be provided, but preferably, andas hereinafter described, a single bank or series of keys, 0 to 9,

' results. I Since the invention can be best underis provided, eachindividual key being capable or five selections. This latter feature ismentioned particularly since it is of general application and notlimited to use in the main machine with which the present invention isconcerned. 0 Briefly, the main machine comprises number and letter keysactuatable to swing shield plates from a limit position in which theplates are normally at rest to a limit operated position. For the D Poseof registering a number in the machine, the proper keys are depressed,thus mov-' ing the associated plates from normal to operated position.The plates which are initially imperforate are provided with alignedapertures while in this limit position and thereupon are returned tonormal position bysuitable clearing means. When the same keys are againdepressed, again swinging the same plates to their limit positions, theapertures are again in alignment and a source of light at one side ofthe series of plates is adapt- 20 ed to activate, through the alignedopenings, a photo-electric cell-at the other side of the series ofplates, the cell being arranged to cause a signal to be. given. Themachine to be described is designed to have several hundred numbers thus25 registered therein and when any one of them is again set up, a signalwill be given, whereas when any number is set up which has not beenpreviously registered in the machine, no signal is possible. The movableplates constitute carrying 30 means for a multiplicity of givenindividual data (herein numbers), each datum having a plurality ofcomponents in certain order and the various data havingdiilerent'com'ponents or components in common but indifierent-arrangement or association; A key is provided for eachpossible component and when the keys are operated to repeat a datumwhich has been previously set up on the carrying means, a signal stoodfrom a specific description of the apparatus, 1 we shall proceed todescribe it with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings, thisembodiment, it is again emphasized, being shown merely by way ofexample. Inthe drawings, 45

Figure 1 is a plan viewof the machineas a whole with parts broken away;g Figure 2 is a section substantially on line 2-2 of Figure -1;

Figure 3 is a section substantially on line 3-3 Figure 1; Figure 4 is aof Figure 3; I Figure 5 is of Figure 3;

0 section substantially on line 4-4 a section substantially on line 54Figure 6 is a section substantially on line 6-6 of Figure 3,;

Figure'l is a section substantially on line l'l of Figure 9;

Figure 8 is a section substantially on line 8-9 of Figure 2;

Figure 9 is an end elevation of the machine with parts removed to revealothers;

Figure 10 is a section substantially on line flfirfl@ of Figure 3;

Figure 11 is a section substantially on line iii-ii of Figure 3; Figure12 is a section substantially on .line iii-i2 of Figure 6;

Figure 13 is a section substantially on line 83-i3 of Figure 6;

Figure 14 is a plan view of one of the above mentioned shield plates;

Figure 15 is a section substantially on line 55-45 of Figure 14; and I 1a Figure 16 is a diagram showing a suitable circuit arrangement forcertain electrically operated apparatus of the machine. 7

. Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figures 1 and 2, themachine comprises a casing generally designated by the reference numeral2@,'this casing being made up of a rectangular bottom plate ii, a frontplate 22, a rear plate 23, side plates '26 and 25, and top plates 25 and27. For the support of the machine, cushion feet as at Ella. may besecured to the lower side of plate 2i. The outlines of the side platesmay beclearly' seen in Figure 2, from which figure itwill be noted thatthe forward portion of these plates is rearwardly and upwardly inclinedto 'rear, upwardly projecting substantially semi-circular portions. Thetop plate 27 is flush with the upper edges of the inclinedportions ofthe side plates and at itsupper end is supported on a bar 28 whichextends between the side plates and is secured thereto. The top plate 26conforms to the semi-circular edges of the rear portion of the sideplates and is supported therebetween, its

rward edge projecting into a groove 28' in bar 29 immediately behind theupper edge of plate 2'3. A shaft 29 extends between the side plates forsupport thereby in substantially concentric relation to the curve of thesemi-circular side plate portions. To the rear of shaft 29, bars 30 andti extend between the side plates with their upper faces in the sameplane, the side plates forwardly of shaft 29 being similarly connectedby a bar 32.

Referring also to Figures 3, 6 and 7, a frame, or block, generallydesignated by the reference numeral 33, consists of a series of segmentshaped plates 34 pierced adjacent the spices and strung on shaft 29. Theplates 34 are suitably interconnected in uniformly spaced relation byspacer strips or plates as at 34 and the frame thereby constitutedextends substantially from side to side of the machine, rests on bars 30and 3|,and is fixedly secured in this position. Each plate 34 isprovided with a multiplicity of perforations 35, those of each platebeing in register with those of the other plates and also with.perforations 24' and 25' formed in the side plates 24 and 25, Figure '1.

A. series of segment-shaped shield plates 36, Figures 1, 2,- 3, 6 and 7,is strung on shaft 29' in alternating relation to the plates 34 so astobe able to swing from a normal orrest position in which their outerends are supported by bar-' 2 to an operated limit position in whichthey are disposed between the plates 34 and rest on strips 34 inblocking relation to all of the apertures 35 in the latter. The plates35 have a somewhat smaller radial dimension than plates 34 and thusclear the tie rod 31 which connects the side plates Hand 25 adjacent thetops of the latter. As shown in the figures just mentioned, plates 36are constituted by metal plates provided with perforations adapted toregister with perforations 35 of the fixed plates 34, the perforationsof the shield plates being initially filled with some readily meltedmaterial. As

clearly shown in Figure 3, each plate 38 is provided with an aperture 39of a size to receive freely shaft 29 and at its apex with a rounded heelportion to and an opposite straight portion Mi.

A modified form of a shield plate 36' is shown in Figures 14 and 15,each of these plates cornprising a metal frame 38 of substantiallysegmental form and provided with an aperture 39' of a size to receivefreely shaft 29. Between its diverging arms frame 38 supports a sheet iiof cardboard or the like, the cardboard being engaged in the frame inthe manner shown in Figure 15m The outer edge of the cardboardissimilarly engaged in an arcuate frame portion 38.

1 Ordinarily all of the plates 36 rest'on bar 32.

By means of keys and certain related mechanism,

selected ones of the plates may bethrown to a position in which they liewithin frame 33. The position of plates 35 may be viewed by the operatorthrough a transparent panel 23' in the forward side of cover plate 26.

For the purpose ofselecting the proper plates 36, there is provided akeyboard comprising a transverse series of number keys J2 and three rowsof letter keys so, the number keys bearing the numbers to 9. A fullquota of letter keys is provided, except, as here shown, the letterkeysI, 0, and Q, .which are replaced by keys bearing the numerals 1, 2and 3, these keys being hereinafter referred to as blocking keys. Itwill be understood that the blocking keys may have any other desiredarrangement on the keyboard, but preferably the normal typewriter keyarrangement is retained with as little change as possible. The numberkeys 42 are arranged on the upper ends of stems as at 44, Figure 2,which project downwardly through suitable comb plates ar-,

ranged in an opening 21' in plate 2? and form parts of key levers 45.The letter keys 43 are similarly arranged on stems 46 forming parts oflevers 41. Levers 4 1 are pivoted in suitably spaced relation on a rod48 supported beneath bar 28 and have their inner extremities flattenedto lie in a horizontal plane and bifurcatediigures 2, .3 and 6. As maybe seen from Figure 6,

rod. 48 is secured to the side plates and has strung thereon spacerblocks 49 for the levers 47. Each lever 41 is fixed in a kerf in anassociated block 49 and thus has ample bearing surface on rod 48.

Bar 28 is provided with a vertical bore immediately above each lever 41,the lower end of each inner extremity of the lever then being directedupwardly and rearwardly and provided with'a barrel portion 52 securedthereto and pivotally engaging a rod 53 extending between the casingside walls. The barrels are held against axial bore receiving acompression spring 50 which, 7

displacement on rod 53 by means of stop collars as at 54, Figure 6. 4Fixed toeach barrel and constituting a part of each lever 45 is adownwardly extending finger 55 and each lever 45 forwardly of shaft 53is connected with bar 32 by means of a tension spring 45'. Thearrangement of fingers 55 on the barrels is such that they are uniformlyspaced along rod 53.

Each of levers l5 and 41 .is guided in a comb plate 58 mounted on a cmssbar 51, the latter having also mounted thereon a yoke 58 having ahorizontal portion extending above all of the levers and covered withyieldingmaterial 88 to limit upward movement of the levers. A pair ofarms 88 and GI, Figures 2 and 8, rigidly secured beneath bar 51 andprojecting toward front plate 22 support three yokes 62, 83 and 84 whichhave padded cross portions 85, 88 and 81 providing downward stops forthe three rows of letter key levers, a similar yoke 88 being mounted onbar 51 for cooperation with the number key levers.

From the above, it will be understood that all of the key levers arenormally held in the position shown in Figure 2. Upon depression of anumber key, the finger portion 55 there is given movement toward therear of the machine, while on depression of a letter ke its innerextremity is swung upwardly.

Directly beneath the inner ends of levers 81, a bar 68 is fixed betweenthe side walls of the casing, Figures 2 and 3, this bar being providedwith a vertical bore 18 beneath each lever and each intersecting acounterbore 1|. An angle strip 12 secured to bar 68 has a horizontal topflange 12' above bar 88 and is provided with bores in alignment withbores 18. A stop member in the form of a pin 13 is vertically slidablein each of bores 18 and has its upper end extending through and providedwith a head I3 somewhat above the flange 12' with the lower end of thepin normally blocking counterbore II. A compression spring interposedbetween said flange 12' and an abutmen. 15 on pin 13 normally holds thelatter in the position shown in-Figure 3. The inner bifurcated ends oflevers 41 normally lie against the top flange of member 12, eachengaging a pin 13 below the head 13 thereof.

Slidable in each counterbore II is one end of a rod 16 whose otherupwardly oil'set end is slidably supported on a bar 11 extending acrossthe rear portion of the casing. Fixed on the rear end of each rod 16 isan upstanding substantially rectangular plate 18 which, in the-restposition of the bars, has a front edge in substantial engagement withthe curved heel portion 48 of a shield plate 38. In this position ofparts, the forward end of rod 16 abuts pin 13, as shown in Figure 3. Ananchor plate 18 is secured against the lower face of bar'68 and hassecured thereto the ends of tension springs 88, which at their otherends are secured to rods 18 through downwardly projecting ears 8I.

A cross bar 82 is spaced somewhat rearwardly of the lower end of fingers55 and secured between the casing side walls. Bar 82 is provided, ashere shown, with fifty vertical bores 83 which are in alignment withbores formed in the horizontal upwardly spaced flange 84 of an anglestrip secured to bar 82. A counterbore 88 intersectsthe lower end ofeach bore 88 and slidable in each bore 83 with its upper end guided inthe flange 84 is a pin 81. Passed through each pin '81 in parallelrelation to the casing side walls is a pin 88 which has a substantialprojection forwardly and rearwardiy of thepin 81. A compression spring88 is interposed between pin 88 and flange 84 so that each pin 81 isnormally yield ingly held in the position shown in Figure 3. Therearwardly projecting portion of each pin 88 is engaged between a pairof posts 88, Figures 2, 3 and 6, these posts having their lower endsfixed in vertical bores in bar 82 and serving to hold pins 88 againstany appreciable movement about .the

has a beveled portion immediately overlying the upper edges of theplates. Rods 8| are continued a substantial distance beyond theassociated plates 82 and have downwardly turned extremities to which areconnected tension springs 83 which at their other ends are connected toan anchor plate 84 on bar 11.

From the above, it will be understood that in the rest position of theparts, rods 16 and 8| are blocked in the positions shown in Figure 3 bymeans of pins 13 and81, the plates 18 and 82 associated with rods 18 and8|, respectively, being in substantial engagement with the curved heelportions 48 of plates 38 which are in their normal position whereintheir upper ends are supported on bar 32. Preferably, bar 32 has afacing pad 32' on which the edges of plates 38 rest. It will be seenfrom Figure 6 that the rear portions of rods 16 are also somewhatlaterally oifset for the sake of proper clearance.

Bar 82 has fixed to its forward face an elongatedblock 85 provided onits forward face with a horizontal groove 86. Horizontal members as at81 projecting forwardly of bar 82 support an elongated block 88 inparallel relation to block 85 and provided with a' horizontal groove 88,

"groove 88 being parallel to groove 88 and lying in the same horizontalplane. An elongated slide or carriage I88 is provided with grooves MIand I82 on its opposite edges in registering relation with grooves 88and 88, the opposed pairs of grooves. receiving balls I83 and I84adapting the slide for guided longitudinal movement relative to members88 and 86 with a minimum of friction.

A shaft I85, Figures 3 and 4 in particular, is supportedat its ends bymeans of uprights I88 and I81 at the ends of slide I88, the shaft beingheld against longitudinal displacement by means of stop collars I88 andI88 on the opposite sides of upright I88. Strung on shaft I85 are tenseletor members or intermediate levers I I8, one associated with each ofthe number key levers. Each of these levers includes a barrel portionIII oscillatable on rod I85 and a longitudinally expanded downwardlyprojecting arm portion 4 l2, and has at its extreme right hand end,Figure 6, a finger H3 which projects rearwardly from an elongated web II4. The fingers I I8 are uniformly spaced along shaft I85. A horizontalrod H5 extends in parallel relation to shaft I85 and slightly below thelatter, rod H5 having forwardly turned ends secured to the carriageuprights I88 and I81. The arm portion II2 of each intermediate lever II8 has secured to its rear side a leaf spring H6 which engages theunderside of rod H5 and thus normally yieldlngly holds the finger H3 inengagement with the top of the rod. In the rest position of the machine,the lever H0 at the extreme left, Figure 6, has its finger II3positioned beneath pin 88 of the first stop pin or member 81. As will behereinafter explained, the carriage I00 is adapted to be stepped to theright so that each finger H8 comes successively under the next four pins88 for possible cooperation therewith. The left hand extreme portion ofthe carriage is determined by a buffer pad Ill adjustably mounted on abracket H8 in position to be engaged by the endof shaft I05. As mostclearly seen in v I45 and surrounds pin I44.

Figures 3 and 4, the number lever fingers 55 I have their lower endspositioned immediately adjacent the lower ends of arms N2 of theintermediate levers I I0 and each finger 55, due to the longitudinalextent of its associated arm II2, is always in position to engage thelatter throughout the range of travel of the carriage I00. The carriageis normally yieldably urged toward the right by means of a tensionspring H8 connected at one end to post I06 and at its other end to anarm II9, Figures 3 and 4, projecting from bar 32. Carriage I00 at itsintermediate portion is pro- 'vided with a series of forwardly facedrack teeth I20, Figures 3 and 4, engaged by'a gear .I2I which is fixedon a vertical shaft I22 journaled at its upper end in block 98,clearance for the forward portion of gear I2I 'being provided by a slot,I23 in angle strip I2.

The lower end of shaft I22 is angularly grooved to receive rollers I20and I25 journaled in upright flanges I26 and I21 on a ratchet wheel I28,Fig-' ures 3 and 11. The ratchet wheel rests on the horizontal vflangeI29 of a bracket I30 which is fixed to a block I3I on the floor plate2i. Ratchet I28 is spaced somewhat above fia'nge I29 by means of acollar I32. The ratchet is connected by means of a sleeve journaled inflange I29 with a disc I33 spaced below the'latter, the lowerextremity'of shaft I22 being received in the sleeve. A brake arm I34,Figure 10, pivoted beneath flange I28 is held against disc I93 by meansof a leaf spring I35mounted on the arm and bearing against an adjustablestop I35 on the bracket Bracket I30, Figures 3, 5 and 11, has a pair offorwardly and upwardly projecting arms I36 and I37 in which are threadedand locked by means of associated nuts, a pair of pivot'pins I38 andI39, whose opposed pointed ends engage bearing recesses formed in theupright arm portions of a v yoke I40, said'arm portions at their upperends supporting a cross member 'I4I to which is'bolted a forwardlyprojecting arm I42. The forward end of arm I42 projects betwten thelegsof a yoke I43 which has'a padded cross portion serving to limitupward movement of arm I42. A pi n I44 is pivoted to the extremity ofarm I42 on an axis parallel to the pivoting axis of yoke I40, the

' pin extendingupwardly and having its end re- -ceived in an aperture inthe extremity of an arm I45 which projects forwardly from a rock shaftI46 pivotally mounted on needle point bearings comprising-pins I41 andI48 supported in brackets I49 and I50 on the forward face of bar 69,Figures 3 and 5. An angle strip I5I is supported on arms I52 and I53projecting forwardly from rock shaft I46, arm I45being passed through anopening in bar I 5I, which latter extends directly beneath thedownwardly bowed portions of all of levers 45. A compression spring I54is interposed between the extremities of arms I42 and The action of thespring is limited by means of an abutment I55 on pin I48 above arm I45.

Yoke I40 has a rearwardly extending arm.I56 on which is pivoted a pawlI57 by means of a screw I58. At its ofiset extremity, Figure ,11, armI55 has pivoted thereto, and therebeneath, a pawl I59, both ofthese'pawls being adapted to cooperate with ratchet I28. Yoke I40 has aforwardly extending arm portion I6I in the extremity of which is formeda slot I62 substantially concentric with pin I58. A finger I63 ispivoted on a screw I64 which passes through slot.

its of this oscillation may be determined through selective positioningof pivot screw I64 in slot I62. Pawl I59 has fixed thereon an upwardlyextending pin I66 which is adapted to abut a portion IS? on arm I56 tolimit the movement of its nose portion toward the ratchet and pin I isconnected with the tail portion of pawl I5l by means of a tension springI68.

Pawl I5l is normally engaged with a tooth of ratchet I28, the ratchettending to rotate in a clockwise direction, Figure 11, due to the actionof spring I I8, whose efiect is transmitted through the rack teeth I20on the slide, gear I2I, and shaft I22. Due to this rotative tendency ofthe ratchet, pawl I5? is held in its limit position of counter-clockwiserotation as determined by the finger I63 and in this position, itsoperative face is substantially in the same vertical plane as theoperative extremity, f the nose portion of pawl I59. If arm I42 iseprgessed, thus rocking yoke movement of slide I00 is permitted. As pawlI5'I is moved upwardly, as just described, to release a tooth, springI68 acts to swing the pawl in a clockwise direction so that its nosecomes to a position above and behind the tooth which it has just engagedand above and in front of the sucyoke I40.

ceeding tooth. If arm I42 is now permitted to. swing upwardly, the armI56 of yoke I40 swings downwardly, the-nose of pawl I59 is moved belowthe tooth with which it has just been in engagement to free the same andat the same time the nose of pawl I51 is moved in front of thesucceeding tooth. Hereupon, ratchet wheel I28 is rotated in clockwisedirection through the action of spring IIB until it is brought to a stopby pawl I51 as the latter reaches its limit of movement incounter-clockwise direction, the pawls now being in their original restposition in which they are yieldingly held by means of a torsion springI69 surrounding the outer end portion of pivot pin I39 and anchored atone end to the latter and at the other to the adjacent arm of The rearsides of the ratchetteeth are preferably beveled, as shownin Figure 3,-to facilitate the commutating action of the pawls. The describedrotational step of ratchet wheel I28 has permitted slide I00 to advanceone step to the right, Figures 4 and 6. It being understood that fingersII 3 of intermediate levers III are each associated with five of thestop pinsl'l,

the step to the right permitted by the mechanism just described willbring each finger under the succeeding pin 88 of its associated group.Succeeding steps will bring the fingers under the succeeding pins 88 upto the final and fifth pin.

At its right hand limit of movement, Figure 4, the slide upright I81abuts a spring contact finger I18, see also Figure 16, moving it againsta fixed contact finger Ill and closing a circuit, to be moreparticularly described hereinafter, up to a relay I12, Figures 6, l2 and13. The relay includes a coil I18 and a core I14 in front of which isdisposed an armature I15 which is fioatingly supported by means of slotsin its sides engaging spaced projections at the ends of a, leg I16 of abracket I18, the lower extremity of the armature resting against a wallI11 of a yoke I11 secured to leg I18 and being yieldingly held againstsaid wall by means ,of a compression spring I18.

The spring I18, influencing the armature below its pivoting axis,normally holds the upper portion of the armature away from core I14, asparticularly shown in Figure 12. Armature I15 has .an insulating backingI18 aflixed thereto and through which projects a stud I88, likewisesecured to the armature, the stud being surrounded by an insulatingsheath I8I. An arm I82 has an apertured hub portion I88 of insulatingmaterial received on the end of stud I88 and'clamped against sheathingI8I by means of a nut I84. In order to prevent arm I82 from turningabout stud I88, its lower extremity is engaged by a pin I 85 which isfixed at one end in the insulating backing I18. A contact plate I86 isapertured to receive the insulating sheath I 8I and is slidable thereon.The lower end of the plate is also apertured and provided with aninsulating bush ing I81 which is slidable on pin I85, the lowerextremity of the plate being formed as a finger bent in the direction oftheinsulating block I18 and received in an aperture I88 therein, all ofthese provisions serving to maintain plate I86 in the upright positionshown. A compression spring I89 surrounding sheath I8I abutshub I83 withone end and plate I88 with the other and holds the latter normallyagainst insulating backing I18.

At its upper end, plate I88 is bifurcated to present a pair of contactfingers I88 and I8I. Arranged on an insulating block I82 on an upper legof bracket I18 are a pair of fixed contacts I88 and I84 in connectionwithterminal screws I85 and I88 and separated by a shield plate I81 ofinsulating material. The upper end of arm I82 is provided with anaperture in which is slidably engaged one end of a pull rod I88 whichhas a head I88 on the inner side of arm I82. The other end of pull rodI88 extends through an aperature in the casing side wall 28 and isconnected to one arm of a bell crank lever 288, the same arm of thislever being connected by means of tension spring 28I with a lug 282 on avertical.

wall 288 of an extension framesecured to the outer side of wall 28 ofthe main casing so that head I88 is held against arm I82 and themovement of the pull rod under the influence of spring 28I therebylimited. The bell crank lever 288, Figures 7 and 9, comprises a verticalshaft portion pivoted between screws 284'and 288 secured in brackets 288and 281 fixed to wall 28 of the machine casing. The other arm 288 ofthebell crank lever 288 normally projects slightly within wall 288 through.an opening therefor provided and has pivotally mounted thereon on avertical I of lever 244 has its terminal portion bent subaxis a pawl 288which is pulled in a counterclockwise direction by means of atensionspring 2I8 connected between a. tail portion of the pawl and a lug 2 onarm 288. Rotation of pawl 288 under the influence of spring 2I8 islimited by 5 abutment of the tail portion of the pawl with a pin 2I2 onarm 288.

Referring particularlyto Figures 1 and 7, a cylindrical collar 2I3 fixedto casing side wall 24 in surrounding relation to'perforations 24 has 10hinged thereto a reflector housing 2 I4 which carries a parabolicreflector 2I5, a bulb 2I8 and a transparent closure plate 2". Thereflector housing 2 is adapted to be held in operative position by meansof a thumb nut 2I8 in well 15 known manner. Collar 2I3 has a translucentinsert 2I9 by means of which the operation of the bulb may be observed.

A cylindrical collar 228 is secured to casing side wall 25 insurrounding relation to perforations 20 25' and supports a plano-convexlens 22I. A free space exists between lens HI and an end wall 222 of theextension frame. Quick acting shutter mechanism 223 is secured to theouter side of wall 222, which latter is provided with an aper- 25 tureregistering with the shutter opening. The shutter mechanism, which maybe of any suitable construction, includes a shutter 224 and an actuatingplunger 225 which carries a roller 228 at "its extremity, the plungerbeing guided between 30 a pair of rollers 221 and 228 J'curnaled betweena pair of strips228 and 288 fixed to the wall 222, Figures 7 and 9. Ashelf 23I fixed on the outer side of wall 222 supports a socket 232 inwhich is engaged a photo-electric tube 283 in register 35 with theshutter opening.

A spindle 284 mounted in wall 222 and the parallel wall 235 of a bracketsecured to the outer face of wall 222 has rotatably mounted thereon awheel 286 providewwith peripheral cams 281 which cooperate with roller226 of the shutter actuating plunger 225. Wheel 2218 is intended torotate in an anti-clockwise direction and each cam surface has arelatively gradual arcuate shaped cam rise terminating in an abruptdrop. A pin 238 is fixed in each cam element, these pins being uniformlyspaced and projecting toward wall 222.

Also journaled on spindle 284 is a disc 288 to which are secured, nearthe periphery of the disc, a series of pins 248 projecting toward wall288. Wheel 288 and disc 288 are connected by means of a torsion spring 2surrounding spindle 284, the spacing of the discs on the spindle beingmaintained bysuitable collars, of which the end ones are shown at 242and 248. v

A bell crank lever 244 is pivotally supported on a vertical axis on aplate 248 secured in the corner between walls 288 and 222. One arm 2.48

stantially at right angles and projecting through an opening in wall 222and into the path of pins 288, one of the pins normally abutting theextremity of arm 248 to hold wheel 288 against rotation. The other armof lever 244 has its extremity bent at substantially right angles andextending through the opening in wall 288 provided for lever arm 288 andprovided with a recess 241 having at its outer end a cam surface adaptedto be engaged by the nose of pawl 288. Lever 70 244 is yieldingly heldin the position shown in Figure '7 by means of a tension spring 248extending between an arm of the lever and a fixed arm 248 on wall 222,the action of the spring being limitedby a stop 258 on wall 222 in post-18 shaft 252 has secured thereto an upright arm 253, to the other end.of which is pivotally connected a latch 250 on an axis parallel to shaftLatch 254 is in the plane of pins 260 and 252. is provided on itsunderside with a notch 255 adapted to engage one of said pins. Finger250 is yieldingly pulled downwardly by means of a tension spring 256which is connected between it and the arm 253. Fixed to shaft 252 in theplane of teeth 238, but to one side of the extremity of lever arm 296,Figure '1, is an upwardly extending arm 251 whose upper end normallyprojects slightly within the rotational path of pins 238 at a pointslightly above the end of lever arm 256. A tension spring 253 isconnected between arm 253 and a bracket 222' on wall 222 and takes upany play in the linkage to assure that latch 256 will normally be heldin its extreme right hand position, Figure 9, so that a pin 240 willalways be properly engaged in notch 255. This spring also assures theproper limit positoning of arm 251 whose upper end normally projectsonly to a slight extent into the path of pins 238. A dog 240a, pivotedon bracket222', normally engages a pin 290 to hold disc 239 againstretrograde movement under the action of torsion spring 24!. The dog isyieldingly urged toward the pins by a tension spring 240b, its

range of movement being limited by a pin 2400 fixed on bracket 222 andextending into a recess 240d in the dog. The inner end of shaft 252 hasfixed thereon an upstanding arm 258 to the upper end of which ispivotally connected oneend of a link 259 which extends outwardly througnwall 203 and along casing wall 25 to the upper end of an arm 260 fixedon the outwardly projecting end of a rock shaft 26! which, within themachine, is journaled in the fixed arms 60 and 6|.

Fixed to shaft 26l at the ends of the keyboard are a pair of forwardlyextending arms in the form of socket elements 262 and 263 adapted toreceive the shank portions 264 and 265 of a hand bar 266 at the frontend of the machine, the said shank portions being passed through slotsas at 261, Figure 2, in the front casing wall 22. Beneath a lug on arm263 is disposed a compression spring 268 which, at its lower end, bearsagainst the seat 269 on bottom plate 2|, any suitable stop means beingprovided to limit'the effect of the spring. A rearwardly extending arm210 rigidly fixed on shaft 26l, has at its rear extremity a slot 21l inwhich is engaged a, pin 212 on'an arm 213 which is fixed to a rock shaft214 extending between the casing. side walls. .Adacent its ends, shaft214 has fixed thereon upvardly and rearwardly extending arms 215 and216, Figures 2, 4, 6 and '1, which have slotted extremities engaging abar 211 which normally occupies a position immediately in front of thestraight heel portions 40'- of plates 36 when the latter are in thedotted line actuated position shown in Figure 3. Bar 211 has its endssecured in arms 218, Figures 2, 3 and 7, which at their other ends haveapertures freely receiving shaft spectively, and the pair of switchesthus connected thereto and to a post 28! projecting downwardly from bar11, Figure 3. A vertical rock shaft 282 pivotally engaged at its endsby'polnts 283 and 286 in a bracket 285 has secured thereto a sickleshaped arm 286 which is engageable '5 by arm 219 upon rocking shaft 214in a clockwise direction, Figure 3, to, rock-shaft 282 in clockwisedirection, Figure 6. At its top, shaft 282 has fixed thereto aforwardly'p'rojecting arm 281 which has a bifurcated end in which the 10slide upright I06 is freely engaged, Figure 6.

Arm 210 has fixed thereon a cam block 288, Figures 2 and 4. A block 289,fixed to bottom plate 2!, between arm 210 and yoke I43 pivotallysupports an upwardly extending finger 290, the 15 pivoting axis of thefinger being parallel to the vertical plane of arm 210. Finger 299 isurged toward cam block 288 by means of a compres-' sion spring 29L theaction of the spring being limited by a'stop in the form of alock screw20 292. At its upper end, finger 290 pivotally supports a lever 293 onan axis parallel to its own pivoting axis. At its right hand end, Figure5, lever 293 rotatably supports a roller 294 which is engageable by camblock 288 when arm 210 25- is elevated upon depression of the hand bar266. Lever 293 has a tail portion extending above an 'arm I42 fixed toand extending below the outer -erably somewhat bevelled as shown inFigure 5.

When the cam block strikes the roller, lever 293 and finger 290 aremoved somewhat to' the left,35

Figure 5, and the tail of the'lever is depressed, engaging arm I42 androcking yoke- I40 in a counter-clockwise direction, Figure 3, so thatpawl H9 is moved into operative position. relative to ratchet I28. 1

The blocking keys I, 2 and 3, hereinabove referred to, have downwardlyextending stem portions 295, 298 and 291 respectively, Figure 8. Aninsulating slab 298 is supported between arms 60 and 6|, Figure 8, andsupports a fixed contact finger 299 beneath stem 295 and a fixed fin-.ger 300 beneath stems 296 and 291. An insulating block 30l on top ofslab 298 has fixed thereto spring contact fingers 302 and 303 overlyingthe fixed contact fingers 299 and 300, re-

stituted are normally open, as shown in Figure 8. F

On an insulating block 304 is mounted a spring contactfinger 305 whichhas secured to its free end a projecting insulating plate 306 disposedbeneath a clip 301 mounted on block 304 imme-' diately beneath a lug 308on am 262, a compression spring 309 being interposed between lug 308 andthe insulating plate 306 and passing through an aperture 3l0 in strip301. Mounted on an insulating strip 3| l .which overlies the rearportion of contact strip 306 is a. fixed contact finger 3| 2 backed byarigid 1118119 lating plate 3l3. With lever arm 262 in the normalposition shown, the switch constituted by strips 305 and 3l2 is closed.9 Since in the particular use ofthe machine de'- scribed, house currentis ordinarily not avail able, all of the electrical devices arepreferably adapted to be operated from an ordinary 6,vol t automobilebattery. While in Figure 16we have included such a battery in thediagram, the battery being designated by the reference numeral 3, itwill be understood that ordinarily a socket 75 switch no, m, the fixedportion In of the lat ter being in connection through a conductor 3I8with a conductor 3 I 9 which is in connection with one end of coil I13,the other end of the coil being grounded. Switches 299 and 300 arearranged across conductors 3I1 and 3I8.

A conductor 320 leads from relay contact I94 to one end of the filamentof bulb 2I6, the other end of the filament being grounded. Conductor 3I9leads to the spring contact finger 305, the fixed contactfinger 3I2being in connection with conductor 320 through a conductor 32I.

-The terminal A+ of the B eliminator is grounded. Terminals -B+ and B-are led'to a 30,000 ohm resistor 322 through conductors 323 and 324whence C leads 325 and 326 extend to a potentiometer 321 which may beconveniently disposed in the casing plate 21, Figure 1. Whenlightstrikes the photo-electric cell 233 current flows from the terminal B+of the B eliminatorthrough conductor 324, a conductor 328, the coil 329of a relay 330, a conductor 328' and a milliammeter 33I, arranged incasing plate 21, Figure l, to the plate of an amplifying tube 332 andthe anode 333 of the photo-electric cell 233. From this point the flowis through the cell, which includes the cathode334', a conductor 335,the

grid of tube 332, a grid resistance 336 to the point 331 of thepotentiometer 321. A filament circuit extends from terminal A of the Beliminator through a conductor 338, a rheostat 339, and a conductor 338to the filament and thence" to a ground. Finally, a buzzer or othersignalling dev'ce 340 is in connection with terminal A- of theeliminator through a conductor 340, and

through a conductor 342 and relay 330 to a ground.

The B" eliminator is of a flat type adapted to rest on the bottom plateof the machine casing beneath the frame 33 and the disposition of theamplifying tube 332 is shown in Figure '7, the re- -lay 330 being shownin Figure 9 as is also the 30,000 ohm resistor 322. The rheostat 339 isalso shown in Figure 9 and the resistance 336 may be conveniently madeup of a number of units arranged in series in a glass tube mounted inthe casing at the rear of the machine. All the elements outside ofeasing wall 25 are enclosed in a casing extension 20'.

It, for example, the number 8M8496 is to be registered in the machine,the number key 8 is depressed, it being understood that carriage I00,

is in its extreme left hand position as shown in Figure 6. Upondepression of the number key its associated lever is swung about shaft53 andits depending extremity 55 strikes the expanded arm II2 of itsassociated selector member or intermediate lever IIII causing the leverIIO to.rock in counter-clockwise direction so that finger II 3 of thelever rises under pin 33 and thus lifts stop pin 81. As the stop pinrises the inner end of its associated rod 9I is released and the rod isinstantaneously moved toward the front of the machine through itsassociated spring 33. The plate 92 on rod 9| being engaged behind'the'pass through to the lens 22I.

heel portion 40 of the plate 36 moves the same from its full lineposition, Figure 3, to the dotted lineposition wherein it lies-in frame33 between a pair of perforated plates 34. Depression of the key hasalso caused depression of bar I5I, Fig- 5 ure 3, and arm I45,-and thelatter acting through spring I54 and arm I42 rocks'the yoke I40 in acounter-clockwise direction about its axis so that pawl I51 movesupwardly to free the engaged tooth of ratchet I20 and pawl I59 comes infront 10 of the same tooth without permitting any rotation of theratchet. However, as soon as the number 0 key is released, permittingarm I45 to as-' sume its normal position, yoke I40 is likewise returnedto its normal position and ratchet I28 is permitted to rotate one toothin the manner previously explained so that finger II3 now rests beneaththe second pin 88 of its associated group to permit the associated rod16 to move forward under the influence of spring 80 so that anothershield plate is moved into frame 33 in the manner above mentioned. Thisoperation does not affect the position of the slide I00.

The number 8 key is again depressed and lifts the second of itsassociated group of stop pins 81, causing another shield plate to bemoved into the frame. When the key is released the carriage againadvances one step.

The 4, 9 and 6 keys are now pressed in succession, in each instancecausing another shield plate to be'moved into the frame and in eachinstance causing a one step advance of the carriage upon releaseof thedepressed key. There are now six shield plates 36 in frame 33. Thereflector housing 2I4 being swung out, a heated rod or wire is insertedin a perforation 24' and run through the aligned perforations in plates36, 40 thus forming aligned perforations in the six shield plates 36which are in frame 33. Thus a through opening is provided from side toside of the machine so that light from bulb 2I6 may Since there may beseveral hundred perforations 24, 25 and 35, several hundred differentnumbers may be similarly registered or loaded in the machine. Desirablya puncturable and renewable sheet 345 is secured to the inner-side ofplate 24 in covermg relation to perforations 24 as a means ofindicating, through the perforations appearing therein, those ofperforations 24 which have already been used.

Assuming that in the subsequent operation of the machine the number"8M8496 is entered by the operator, as the number 6 keyis released andthe slide is stepped to the right, it abuts the spring contact fingerI10, moving it against the fixed finger HI and closing a circuit up to00 coil I13 of relay I12 so that the latter is energized and attractsarmature I 15. The movement of the armature causes plate I86 to bridgecontacts I93 and I94 so that a circuit is now completed to bulb 2I6 andat the same time a holding circuit for the armatureis completed by meansof conductors 3I9 and MI through switch 305 3I2. Movement of thearmature I15 has also drawn pull rod I98 to the right, thus rocking bellcrank lever 200 which in turn, through pawl 209, rocks bell crank lever'244 in a counter-clockwise direction, withdrawing the extremity of arm246 from beneath the pin 233 resting thereon. Hereupon cam wheel 236 isrotated in a counter clockwise direction, Figure 9, under the influence(I of spring 2M, and while bell crank lever 244 immediately returns toits original position, in the path of the next pin 238, the latterstrikes the top surface of arm 25! so that rotation of the cam wheel isarrested with roller 226 substantially at the peak of the cam rise,shutter 224 being thus opened. Since the number just entered is one ofthose originally set up in the machine, a light ray will traverse theframe and the aligned apertures of the shield plates 35 therein.Whatever the positionof this ray with respect to lens 22! it will berefracted by the latter so as to pass through the shutter opening andaffect the cell so that relay 330 is operated and a signal is given bybuzzer 360. A forward circuit for the cell is shown.

If, on the other hand, the number just entered is not one which has beeninitially registered in the machine, no light is permitted to passthrough frame 33 due to the fact that the movable shield plates thereinhave no apertures in alignment. 'When' the machine is to be cleared theoperator presses on the hand bar 2% so that the shaft 26! is rocked inaclockwise direction, spring 268 being compressed. Hereupon, spring 389,Figure 8, acts to move contact finger 335 downwardly to break thecircuit to relay I72 and bulb 2H5, Figure 16. The armature beingreleased, rod I98'moves to the right under the force of spring and pawl209 rides into normal position'in recess 24'! of bell crank lever 263.Simultaneously shaft 252, Figure 9, has been rocked through arm 260,link 259 and arm 258, see also Figure 7, thus moving arm 25'! frombeneath the engaged pin 238 and permitting the latter to come to rest onthe extremity of arm 246 of bell crank lever 244. At the same instantroller 226 snaps off of the engaged cam 23'! and shutter 224, throughits spring, is instantaneously closed. This is desirable since, as willbe described, the movable shield plates are simultaneously being movedout of frame 33 and due to the lag of lamp 2H5 light might reach thecell 233 were it not for the quick actuation of the shutter.

As arm 210 rises, cam block 288, Figure 5, swings lever 293 to rock yokeI40 in the manner heretofore described so that the-ratchet wheel in isengaged by the spring-pressed pawl l59, Figure 3. Shaft 214 is rocked ina counter-clockwise direction and thus forces bar 211 to move iniaclockwise direction about shaft 29, Figure 2, thus returning all theactuated shield plates to their normal position wherein they rest on bar32. As'the shield plates move to normal position their heel portions camthe plates 18 and 92 rearwardly so that rods 16 and M are carriedrearwardly until stop pins 13 and 81 again come into blocking relationthereto. In the meantime arm time riding freely over the teeth ofratchet I28.-

As slide I00 reaches its left hand limit position, theroller 294 ridesoff of the lower edge of cam block 288 and the consequent movement oflever 293 releases arm I42 for upward movement, yoke I40 thereuponswinging in a counter-clockwise- The rocking of shaft 252, in additionto moving arm 25'! in the mannerabove described, also causes arm 253 toswing toward the front of the machine, Figure 9, carrying latch 254 sothat disc 235 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, winding thetorsion spring 24L As pawl 254 completes its stroke the dog 240a engagesbehind the succeeding pin 240 on disc 239. Upon release of the hand bar266 all the parts thereby actuated are returned to the normal positionsillustrated by means of their associated springs.

In describing the operation of the machine as above, it has been assumedthat a six place number has been registered in the machine and againentered in the subsequent operation of the machine. In the case of anumber of less than six places it is evident that the slide I00 will notreach its right hand limit position so as to close switch l'lii, iii,since the slide is stepped to the right from its initial position onlyby a number of steps equal to the number of numeral keys which have beendepressed. It is for this reason 20 that the blocking keys 1, 2 and 3have been provided, these keys being actuatable to close switches 299and 363 across conductors 3H and 3l8 when the number entered in themachine is less than six places.

For example, if the number to be registered in the machine is 8M8, afterthe 8 key has been pressed the second time, the number 1 blocking key isdepressed since the number includes only one numeral after the letter.The number 1 blocking key has a shield plate 36 associated therewith inexactly the same manner as the letter keys and after its depression thehot rod or wire is run through block 33 in the manner above described.In the subsequent'operation of 35 the machine as the number 8M8 is againentered, the number 1 blocking key will also be depressed and a throughopening will be provided so that the photo-electric cell will beactivated. The number 2 and number 3 blocking keys likewise have shieldplates associated therewith and are used respectively when the number tobe registered includes two or three numerals after the letter. It willbe seen that if it were not for these blocking keys if the registerednumber were 8M8496 the photo-electric cell would be affected not onlywhen the full number was again entered in the machine, but also when thefirst three, four or five places thereof were entered.

Due to the fact that each number key can select five separate shieldplates it will be evident that the same numeral can be repeated fivetimes in the same numbenas for example in 8M8888, and each time anothershield plate will be moved into the block 33. Also no confusion canresult in the case of reversed numbers as in the case of 8M4 and 4M8.In-enteringthe number 8M4, upon depression of thenumber 8 key the firstone of the group of stop pins associated therewith would be lifted whilethe third one of the group of stop pins associated with the number 4 keywould be lifted. In the case of the number 4M8 the first stop pin of thegroup associated with the number 4 key would be lifted and-the thirdstop pin of the group associated with the number 8 key would be lifted.It will thus be'seenthat in the case .of these-two numbers entirelyvdifferent shield platesare affected by the number 4 and 8 keys. For eachnumber set in the machine there is a sub-group of swingable plateshaving apertures which are in alignment only with each other in theirlimit position. Each sub-group consists of a maximum number of sixswingable plates in the disclosed machine, although the sub-group-may becomposed of a lesser number, as for example, 75

when the number 8M8 is set in the machine. In this case, the shieldplate associated with the number 1 blocking key forms a member of thesub-group since it is perforated in alignment with the other plates atthe ,original'setting. However, if the number 8M8888 is set up in themachine and the number 8M8 is subsequently entered without having beenpreviously set up, the actuated plates do not comprise a sub-group noris the blocking plate, which now exercises a blocking function, a memberof the sub-group. In each operating cycle of the machine, a number maybe entered which may or may not affect a predetermined sub-group ofplates and, as explained, a sub-group may comprise the predeterminedmaximum of six plates or a lesser number of plates.

Upon removal of the cover portion 26, and upon detaching shaft 29 fromside plates 24 and 25, the block' 33, Figure 2, may be bodily removedwithout interference from the cross members, 3| and 31, bar 21'! movingout of the open upper ends of arms 215 and 216. There is no interferenceof the heel portions of plates 36 with the plates 18 and 92, since thereis only an abutment relation of the latter. The block is removed in thismanner when it is necessary to replace plates 36.

In the use of the machine just described, it will ordinarily be mountedin an automobile so as to be readily transportable to strategicpositions and the position may be chosen without refer-- unit beingself-contained in this respect. In the present machine signaling meansonly is provided 'to show that a number previously registered has beenentered in the machine, it being assumed that the operator will rememberthe number just set and, will thus be able to take the necessary steps.However, if desired, recording mechanism may be provided so that eachnumber entered will be visible at least until the machine is cleared.

As intimated at the outset the invention is not limited in itsapplication to machines of any particular capacity and the machine whichhas been specifically described may be appropriately enlarged whererequired. For example, each number key may be associated with groups ofmore than five stop pins so as to be able to handle numbers wherein thesame numeral is apt to be repeated more than flve times. Also, if in anyparticular case letters are apt to be repeated in the same indicia, eachletter key may be provided with selective facilities such as herein havebeen described only in association with the number keys.

Thus, the machine of the present invention is susceptible ofconsiderable variation as to the form and relation of its parts and asto capacity. Accordingly, the invention is not 'to be considered aslimited by the specific disclosure herein, its scope being determined inthe following claims.

We claim:

1. In apparatus of the class described, a group of plates mounted inside by side arrangement and movablefrom a normal position to a limitposition, there being sub-groups of which the plates have apertures inalignment with each other in limit position to provide a throughopening, the apertures-of plates of different sub-groups beingunalignable, a group of fixed plates, each of said movable plates whenin limit position lying between a pair of said fixed plates, the fixedplates having apertures aligned with those of the plates of saidsub-groups when the latter are in limit position, a light source and alight sensitive cell positioned relative to the fixed and movable platesso that light from the source may reach the cell through alignedapertures in the movable plates and fixed plates, and signalling meansrendered operative upon activation of-said cell.

2. In apparatus of the class described, a plurality of members movablefrom a normal to a limit position, selected ones of said members beingprovided with apertures which'are in alignment when said selected onesof said members are in their limit position, a light source and a lightsensitive cell positioned relative to said selected ones of said membersso that light from the source may reach the cell through said alignedapertures, a shutter interposed between said source and cell, and meansfor automatically opening said shutter subsequent to the movement of allsaid selected ones of said members to limit position.

3. In apparatus of the class described, a plurrality of members movablefrom a normal to a limit position, selected ones of said members beingprovided with apertures which are in alignment when said selected onesof said members are in their limit position, a light source and a lightsensitive cell positioned relative to said selected ones of said membersso that light from the source may reach the cell through said alignedapertures, a shutter interposed between said source and cell, shutteractuating mechanism including electro-magnetic means, a circuit for saidelectro-magnetic means, and means for automatically closing said circuitsubsequent to the movement of all said selected ones of said members tolimit position.

4. In apparatus of the class described, a plurality of plates movablebetween two positions, selector means oper ble to move said members,only a predetermin d maximum number of said members being movable in anoperative cycle of the apparatus, and separate selector means operableto move similarly others of said plurality of plates when less than'saidcertain number of plates are moved by said first-mentioned selectormeans.

' 5. In apparatus of the class described, a plurality of members movablebetween two positions, selector means operable to move said members,only a predetermined maximum number of said members being movable in anoperative cycle of the apparatus, separate selector means operable tomove similarly others of said plurality of members when less than saidcertain number of members are moved by said first-mentioned selectormeans, an electric control circuit, means auto matically closing saidcircuit when said certain number of said members are moved by saidfirstmentioned selector means, and means operable by the said separateselector means to close said circuit.

6. In apparatus of the class described, a plu-' rality of membersmovable between two positions, selector means operable to move saidmembers,

onlya predetermined maximum number of said' said separate selector meansto close said circuit, means operable to return all of said members, andmeans actuated by said last-mentioned means to break said circuit.

7. In apparatus of the class described, a plurality of selectivelymovable members, selector means operable to move a certain number ofsaid membersfrom one position to another, an electric control circuit,means for automatically closing said circuit subsequent to such movementof said certain number of said members, means including a bar movable incontact with said members for returning said members, and a switchactuated by said last-mentioned means to break said circuit.

8. In apparatus of the class described, a plurality of members pivotedin side by side arrangement and selectively swingable from a normalposition to a limit position, selected ones of said members beingprovided with apertures which are in alignment when said selected onesof said members are in their limit position, an electric bulb and alight-sensitive cell positioned relative to said selected ones of saidmembers so that light from the source may reach the cell through saidaligned apertures, a bulb circuit, means automatically closing saidcircuit when said selected ones of said members are in their limitposition, means including a bar movable in contact with said members forreturning said selected ones of said members, and means actuated by saidlastmentioned means for breaking said circuit.

9. In apparatus of the class described, a plurality of members pivotedin side by side arrangement and selectively swingable from a normalposition to a limit position, selected ones of said members beingprovided with apertures which are in alignment when said selected onesof said members are in their limit position, an electric bulb and alight-sensitive cell positioned relative to said selected ones of saidmembers so that light from the source may reach the cell throughsaidaligned apertures, a shutter between said bulb and cell, a circuit,means, automatically closing said circuit when said selected ones ofsaid members are in their limit position, a relay in said circuit, abulb circuit closed by said relay when the relay circuit is closed, andmeans actuated by said relay to effect opening of said shutter.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein a spring-impelled rotary camelement is provided for opening the shutter and a stop for said camelement is provided, said stop being withdrawn upon energization of therelay to permit a rotary movement of the cam element whereby opening ofthe shutter is efiected.

- 11. In apparatus of the class described, a plurality of memberspivoted in side by side orrangement and selectively swingable from 8.normal position to a limit position, selected ones of said members beingprovided with apertures which are in alignment when said selected onesof said members are in'their limit position, an

electric bulb and a light-sensitive cell positioned relative to saidselected ones of said members so that light from the source may reachthe cell through said aligned apertures, a shutter between said bulb andcell, a circuit automatically closed when said selected ones of saidmembers are in their limit position, a relay in said circuit,

a bulb and relay-holding circuit closed by said relay when the relaycircuit is closed, means actuated by said relay to eflect opening ofsaid shutter, means for returning said selected ones of said members,andmeans actuated by said last-mentioned means for breaking the relayholding circuit.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein a spring-impelled rotary camelement is provided for opening the shutter and a stop for said camelement is provided, said stop being withdrawn upon energization of therelay to permit a rotary movement of the cam element whereby opening ofthe shutter is efiected, and wherein the impel,- ling means for the camelement comprises a spring, and means actuated by said returning meansare provided for winding said spring.

13. In apparatus utilizing selector keys, means for providing aselective range for a. single key, said means. comprising, incombination with a single key, a plurality of independently movablecontrol members associated therewith, and means for imparting successiveoperating movements of said key to successive ones of said controlmembers, said last named means comprising a selector member constantlyactuatable by the key and movable into operative position relative tosaid members individually to engage and move the same upon operation ofthe key.

14. In apparatus utilizing selector keys, means for providing aselective range for a single key,

said means comprising, in combination with a single key, a plurality ofindependently movable control membersassociated therewith, and means forimparting successive operating movements of said key to successive onesof said control members, said last named means comprising a selectorsaid means comprising, in combination with a single key, a pivoted keylever, a pivoted intermediate lever slidable in a direction parallel tothe pivoting axis of said key lever, said intermediate lever having anarm expanded in the direction of said pivoting axis and engageable bythe key lever throughout the sliding range of said intermediate lever, aplurality of movable members positioned along the path of movement ofsaid intermediate lever, said intermediate lever having a fingeradapted'to engage said members successively to move the same uponactuation of said intermediate lever by the key lever.

16. In apparatus utilizing. selector keys, means for providing aselective range fora single key, said means comprising, in combinationwith a single key, a pivoted key lever, a pivoted intermediate leverslidable in a direction parallel to the pivoting axis of said key lever,said intermediate lever having an arm expanded in the direction of saidpivoting axis and engageable by the key lever throughout the slidingrange of said intermediate lever, a plurality of movable mem-, berspositioned along the path of movement of said intermediate lever, saidintermediate lever .iaving a finger adapted to engage said memberssuccessively to move the same upon actuation of said intermediate leverby the key lever, and means for imparting a step by step movement tosaid intermediate lever.

1'7. In apparatus utilizing selector keys, means for providing aselective range for a single key,

said means comprising, in combination with a single key, a pivoted keylever, a carriage slidable adjacent said lever, an intermediate leverpivotal- 4 iy mounted on said carriage for participation in slidingmovements of the latter, said intermediate lever having an arm expendedso as to be engageable by said key lever in all positions oi saidcarriage, a plurality of movable members positioned along the path ofmovement oi said intermediate lever, said intermediate lever having afinger adapted to engage said members successively to move the same uponactuation of said intermediate lever by the key lever.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said single key is one of aseries of keys each of which has similarly associated therewith anintermediate lever, all of the latter being mounted on the samecarriage.

19. In apparatus of the class described, a slide spring-urgedin onedirection, a rack on said slide and a gear engaging said rack, a toothedratchet in connection with said gear, a movable pawl carrier and a pairof pawls pivoted thereon and adapted for simultaneous or separateengagement with the ratchetto resist its rotation under the action ofthe slide, means for moving said carrier from a normal position in whichone only of said pawis engages a tooth of the ratchet through a positionin which both pawls engage the same tooth and to a position in which thefirst pawl releases the tooth while the latter is still engaged by thesecond pawl, means thereupon operative to swing said first pawl to aposition behind, but out of the path of the said tooth, return movementof said carrier releasing said second pawl from the said tooth andbringing said first pawl in front of the succeeding tooth whereby saidfirst pawl is swung back to its original position.

20. In apparatus of the class described, a group of members which aremovable independently of each other in the same direction from a normalto a limit position, means for selectively so moving said members, onlya predetermined maximum number of said members being movable in anoperative cycle of the apparatus, said maxi- -mum number of said membersbeing less than the total number of said members, signalling means, andmeans controlled by only such members as are moved for controlling saidsignalling means.

21. In apparatus of the .class described, a group of members which aremovable independently of each other in the same direction from a normalto a limit position, means for selectively so moving said members,certain of said members less than the total number thereof beingprovided with apertures which are aligned in the limit position of saidcertain members, means operable.

each other in the same direction from a normal to a limit position,means for selectively so moving said members, certain. of said membersless than the total number thereoi being provided with apertures whichare aligned in the limit position of said certain members, meansoperable to selectively move said members to their limit positionwhereby it said certain members only are moved, their aligned aperturesprovide a through opening unobstructed by any other'of said members, alight source and a light sensitive cell so positioned that light fromthe former may reach the latter to activate the same only through saidthrough opening when said certain members are in their limit position,signalling means operated as a result of activation of said cell, andshutter means operative to shield the cell from the source when saidmembers are in normal position.

23. In apparatus of the class described, a group of members which aremovable independently of each other in the same direction from a normalto a limit position, means for selectively so moving said members,certain of said members less than the total number thereof beingprovided with apertures which are aligned in the limit position of 20unobstructed by any other of said members, a 25 light source and a lightsensitive cell so positioned that light from the former may reach thelatter to activate the same only through said through opening when saidcertain members are in their limit position, signalling means operatedas a 30 result of activation of said cell, return means for the movedmembers, and shutter means rendered operative upon actuation of saidreturn means to shield the cell from the source.

24. In apparatus or the class described, a block 35 comprising a rod anda group 01 plates strung on said rod and maintained in fixed parallelrelation thereon, plates pivotally mounted on said rod to swing into andout of the spaces between the fixed plates, the fixed plates beingprovided with a number of aligned apertures for the guidance of anelongated puncturing tool whereby to form aligned apertures in anypivotal plates which are between the fixed plates.

25. Structure according to claim 24, wherein the pivotal plates areinitially apertured identically as the fixed plates and their aperturesblocked with material removable by the punctur- 8 tool.

26. Structure according to claim 24 wherein the pivotal plates haveportions of initially unperforated material readily periorable by thepunc turlng tool. a

27. In apparatus or the class described, a group of plates individuallyswingable about a common axis from a .normal position to a limitposition wherein they are in registering relation to each other, certainof said plates constituting subgroups 01' which the constituent plateshave apertures which are aligned with each other in the limit positionof the plates, none of the plates other than those of a given sub-grouphaving an aperture alignable in limit position with the apertures oi theplates of the given sub-group, and signalling means rendered operativewhen any one of said sub-groups is in limit position.

28. In apparatus oi the class described, a group of individual platesswingable about a common axis from a normal position to a limit positionwherein they are in registering relation to each other. aspring-influenced reciprocable member associated with each of saidplates to swing the same, means for, holding said reoiprocable member ininoperative position against the spring action, and selective meansiorreleasing said hold-

